WHO WE ARE:

Dr. Amelie Summer BVSc MRCVS – Principal Veterinary Surgeon

I am a 2006 graduate of Cambridge University. My main areas of interest are soft tissue surgery and feline medicine and I am interested in working towards a certificate in one of these areas in the near future. I have 9 years experience in small animal practice, both in the UK and the USA, and I have recently spent 1 year as a full time lecturer and course manager in animal care in a further education college and 1.5 years teaching final year veterinary students best practice in first opinion medicine and surgery. I have also undertaken further CPD in practical surgery and emergency surgery. I was formerly a horse trainer, and I am currently studying for a Masters degree in Conservation Medicine.

I am the practice owner and director, and I think I have built the most amazing team of vets and support staff anyone could wish for! After many years of working in all aspects of veterinary practice and research, my sole aim was to create the sort of veterinary practice I would want to look after my pets. I think I have succeeded! I qualified from Bristol in ’93, with both my veterinary degree and a first in Anatomical Science, and besides my main clinical interests in keyhole surgery and exotic pets, I am studying for a PhD in shark biology. When I am not at the practice I am often motor racing (usually near the back), flying a vague impersonation of aerobatics, mountaineering, hurting myself at karate, or tripping over one of my cats or Archie, my border terrier.

Kiri Poliszewski RVN

I enjoy all aspects of veterinary nursing but particularly like working with exotics due to keeping a bunch of naughty ferrets myself. My menagerie also includes dogs and cats, who take up most of my spare time! I qualified as an RVN this year.

Jen O’Keefe RVN

I graduated in 2005 from the University of Bristol with a degree in Veterinary Nursing and Practice Administration. I have since worked in primary care practices and a referral centre with some travelling squeezed in for good measure! I have a keen interest in surgical nursing and anaesthesia. At home, I have Louie, who looks like a mini black panther but is about as brave as a dormouse!

Claire McCarthy RVN

I have been qualified for 25 years but now work part time as my three children keep me busy. I have been at Alpha for 12 years. We have many pets at home; two dogs, one cat, two tortoises’ and four guinea pigs! Most of my spare time is spent helping to run a local scout group were I look after the youngest section-Beavers, and my holidays are spent on Scout camp!